Navratri Day 7 - Saptmi Tithi - Devi Kaalratri

The 7th day of Navaratri is dedicated to Maa Kaalratri, the 7th form of Maa Durga.
Kaala means time, and ratri means death, hence, Kaalratri is the One who can dispense Death to the Kaal.
Maa Kaalratri destroys ignorance and brings light into the darkness.
This form also depicts the dark side – the superpower that creates havoc and removes all things bad and dirty.
But to Her devotees, She brings calmness and courage.
Maa Kaalratri has a dark complexion. Mounted on a donkey, she displays bountiful hair and four hands. In the left hand, she holds a cleaver and a torch, and her two right hands are in “giving” and “protecting” mudras. She has three eyes that emanate rays like lightning.
Her necklace shines like thunder. When She inhales and exhales air, flames appear through Her nostrils.
Maa teaches us that sorrow, pain, decay, destruction, and death are unavoidable and cannot be ignored. These are the truths of life and denying them is futile. We must accept their presence and significance to realize the fullness of our being and our potential.
Maa Kaalratri governs the Crown Chakra or Sahasraara and provides the Siddhi to the seeker.

Planetary Deity: Saturn (Shani)
Attributes: Discipline, responsibility, and perseverance.
Worship: Seek strength in discipline and perseverance from Saturn.

Bhog: Offer Jaggery (Gur) to Devi Kaalratri to imbibe the powerful energy that emanates from her body.

Color for the day: White

Shri Durga Saptashati Patha to be recited: Adhyay 11

Chant this mantra to worship Maa Kaalratri…
वाम पादोल्ल सल्लोहलता कण्टक भूषणा |
वर्धन मूर्ध ध्वजा कृष्णा कालरात्रि भर्यङ्करी ||
Vāma pādōlla sallōhalatā kaṇṭaka bhūṣaṇā
vardhana mūrdha dhvajā kr̥ṣṇā kālarātri bharyaṅkarī ||